Arsenal legend Martin Keown hailed young Marquinhos and claimed that the Brazilian plays just like Bukayo Saka when he gets the nod on the right flank.
The 19-year-old was replaced by Saka in the starting lineup against Bodo/Glimt yesterday. The young Englishman found the net and helped Arsenal win the game, and he’s now a real inspiration to younger players in the squad like Marquinhos.
Martin Keown says Arsenal youngster Marquinhos plays just like Bukayo Saka
Almost every Arsenal fan expected Marquinhos to start in the Europa League for the third consecutive time yesterday.
He scored on his debut against FC Zurich last month and earned another start against Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates last week. He was asked to start on the bench in Norway, but Keown was full of praise for the youngster before the game even started yesterday.
The legendary Arsenal defender believes Arteta has formed a team where every player – even those who don’t start every game – play just like the regulars when they’re on the pitch.
He feels Marquinhos’ performances when he plays on the right wing are very similar to that of Saka.
He said on BT Sport before the game yesterday: “The other players that are not actually playing at the weekends can implement the same ideas and copy, really. It’s all being moulded in the same way. That’s really been impressive.
“Marquinhos is not playing tonight but he played in that very first game in Europe exceptionally well. It was like Saka in that position, it’s almost a copycat performance. That’s what you’re really looking for.”
Our View:
Marquinhos is a really exciting talent.
The Gunners signed him from Brazilian giants Sao Paulo in a £3 million deal in the summer (Goal). He was expected by many to go out on loan, but Arteta saw him perform in pre-season training and decided to keep hold of him.
After a sensational debut against FC Zurich where he scored a goal and picked up an assist, Marquinhos had a quiet game against a well-organised Bodo/Glimt side at the Emirates last week.
That’s probably why Arteta decided to go with Saka last night, but the Brazilian teenager will definitely get many more opportunities in the coming weeks.